Briarwood Mall

Do you ever wonder what exactly are in all those bags that the sporty guy walking out of Eddie Baur or the fashionista coming out of Michael Kors are carrying at Briarwood? 

Needless to say, I am always wondering what other people at Briarwood are picking up, so I decided to take some action. I saw this trendy woman strolling  by me carrying a Sephora bag and went up to her and asked what beauty products she had just picked-up. The girl, Noelle, listed some of the staple items all us girls need (mascara, make-up wipes, eye cream, and tinted moisturizer), but one product that caught my attention was the Clarisonic brush heads she had gotten to replace her current one on her Clarisonic back at home. Now, I have heard people rave about the Clarisonic before, and Noelle gave me the low down and ins and outs of the product, convincing me to hop on the bandwagon of this brush for your face, and ultimately, inspiring this blog post!

The Clarisonic allows for a deep cleanse to remove make-up, impurities, and reduce the size of your pores. You can apply your own cleanser or face scrub to the clarisonic, or use their specific products offered along with the brushes. Then, let the clarisonic do it's job by just clicking a button and massaging it into your face for one minute of magic.

The clarisonic line offers lots of variety too for each and every skin problem or type. There first step is choosing a clarisonic that is right for you. There are four clarisonics offered, the Mia, Mia 2, Aria, and Plus, each one delivering the same awesome results, but offer different speeds and prices. Then it gets real fun when you decide on the various brush heads available. There are six different options to cater to your specific skin type.  Whether you have normal, sensitive, delicate, acne prone, deep pores, or just want to give your body a scrub, clarisonic has got you covered (Noelle told me she uses the acne cleansing one for a clear complexion). Also, you can choose a clarisonic in practically every color under the sun to make it feel more personalized.

The deeper cleanse that the clarisonic gives compared to just using your hands has many benefits for your skin and lets make-up go on smoother, products absorb deeper, and gives your skin an overall radiant glow. 

Thanks Noelle for talking to me and convincing me to go out and invest in this little brush for your face! If any of you are clarisonic pros as well, let me know if you use it and any tips and tricks you have!

So recently I headed over to Briarwood mall in the search of some basic to fill my closet, because these are staple items that can be worn throughout any season. I have lots of plain tops and bottoms that can be worn with any outfit, but after wearing them through a few seasons, I decided I needed to update the basic section of my closet. Walking around from store to store, I finally found my jackpot when I stepped into JCrew. They had racks, tables, and displays full of cute clothes, and TONS of basics T's, blouses, and even shorts (perfect for the upcoming warm weather). I love having that one tank that can always turn to when I need something quick to throw on or just to put on under a blouse. Basics are a must in every woman's closet, and JCrew offers plenty basics in every color of the spectrum. I got a little carried away, and wanted to pick up everything in every color because they were all too cute and I know I could find millions of ways to wear each and every one of them. So check out the many adorable and functional basics Jcrew offers so you can dress-up your style. 

First, I picked up some plain tank tops and T-shirts, because they are quick and easy to thrown on and even better to layer with.

Next, even though some of their blouses are plain, they have a certain chic element to them that can make any woman feel put together and classy.

Finally, these awesome shorts come in every color to fit your every mood, and there are even fun patterns and florals thrown in too.

* Bounus: JCrew offers a 15% discount to all students who show a valid school ID at check-out (score!)

Most people think of scarves as an accessory to bundle up in and add that extra layer to keep you warm during the chilly fall and winter months. Luckily though, tons of stores over at Briarwood have been stocking up on lightweight scarves that add a little something extra to your outfit so you can enjoy them in the spring and summer months too. I love scarves during this time of year because you can throw them on quick and they make any outfit look put-together.  Scarves are also a great way to add in some of the hot trends we are seeing this season to your look, because you can pair them with so many different things. Use a bright colored scarf or one with funky design (tribal is super in) to add a fun touch to a plain t-shirt or tank. Throw some spring to your outfit by adding an airy floral scarf or sail into the nautical theme with a blue or red scarf (one with stripes or polka dots are even better).

1) Banana Republic: Kelly Scarf

2) H&M: Floral Scruch Scarf 

3) JCrew: Paisley Scarf

4) Forever 21: Lace Paneled Scarf

5) American Eagle: Embroidered Scarf 

6) Francesca's: Indio Printed Scarf

I am so excited to let all of you know that Briarwood has big plans for the future! Briarwood will be undergoing renovations this year to make our mall even that much better. There will be many updates including a new children's play area, more seating and lounge areas, and fresh new decor additions like updated paint, architectural elements, and better lighting. These renovations will add a whole new look to Briarwood and make it feel like a new fresh place to shop, eat, and enjoy. Included in the renovations will also be additions of some new stores and restaurants to further increase the quality of the mall. New additions will include some brand new stores including Lush, Vera Bradley, Michael Kors, and many more great stores. There will also be added restaurants/food, so that after a long day of walking around and shopping you can enjoy a nice meal. I personally cannot wait for all these renovations to become a reality, and I hope you all are just as eager as I am. If you want more information on the renovations and updates on what is happening at Briarwood, check out the Briarwood Mall Facebook page. 

This upcoming spring season we have seen black and white popping up all over the runways and celebrities as a trend to look for this year. I personally love this trend because you can wear black in white in so many ways because it is so versatile. From a more dressed down fun look to a classic and chic look, your black and white pieces will prove to be a staple and valuable item in your closet time and time again. The black and white trend has so many ways to sneak into your everyday style and even though black and white seems to be plain, there are many fun ways popping up so that you can incorporate them in unconventional ways than just solid black and white. Probably the biggest plus of this up-and-coming trend is that black and white will never go out of style, so you can stock up your closet and not feel guilty because you will get plenty of wear out of every piece. Make sure to head over to the shops and stock up on some black and white to look stylish this spring and summer and every season after! 

1. Leather

2. Inconspicous Pops

3. Color Blocking

4. Patterns

5. Classic

Image Credit:  Insider.com, Stylewatch.com, Women's Wear Daily 
 

The classic boat shoe that I have seen on numerous feet has gotten on my good side lately (and many of yours I'm sure). These nautical shoes popped up and seemed like they could have been just a fad that would soon pass, but I believe they are hot enough to stay for the long hall. There are many different styles and these shoes have the ability to transition into all the seasons. Sperrys offer classic pairs for the more reserved, and animal prints and patterns for the more wild. Needless to say I think that there are a pair of Sperrys for every style setter out there.

Sperrys has revamped even their classic boat shoes by adding more colors, patterns, and even sparkles. Not only can you pick-up a boat shoe to fit perfectly in your closet, but there are many other styles of shoes that Sperrys has come out with to keep customers coming back for more (me included). Sperrys has made their shoes more innovative, and no longer are these shoes restricted to pairing them with a preppy outfit on your boat this spring, even though that is completly acceptable. Pick up some of their new releases with fun pops to get some attention. 

Wear their adorable sandal or wedge lines to pull together a summer dress look or when going out on a fun summer date night. 

Cruises are a summer travel staple, with the main goal being to lounge by the pool with a frosty drink in hand and work on getting the perfect summer glow to show off back home. Going on a cruise requires a lot more planning than meets the eye because of the poolside festivities, fancy dinners and nightlife, and of course the shore excursions. So I am here to give you a little insight into staying fab yet comfortable throughout your ocean adventures. 

Here are 10 staple items I think you should make their way into your suitcase:

1. The perfect bathing suit for laying around the pool (My personal favorite bathing suit this season)

2. A versatile dress to wear if you go out for cocktails, a fancy dinner, or dancing

3. Comfortable walking shoes to help conquer all the exploring (Toms are the BEST)

4. Sunglasses to shade those beautiful eyes from the harsh sun glares (My go-to glasses)

5. A cute cover-up to quickly through over your swim suit so you can walk around the boat or grab some of that delicious food

6. A big floppy hat is the pinnacle of cruise fashion, and the accessory to show off your fabulousness by the pool

7. Nice strappy sandals that allow you to dress them up or down

8. One cozy sweater for those cooler nights on the ship

9. LOTS of sunscreen to protect that wonderful skin of yours

10. Something unique and fun because that's what cruises are for right? (Tip: try something vibrant and tropical to tie in to the exotic atmosphere)

P.S. Don't forget to save extra room in your suitcase for all the extra shopping and souvenirs

If you are like me, feeling like you are put together all depends on your nails. I am rarely seen without any nail polish on, and I think having your nails perfectly painted can add that much more to your look and make it feel complete. Spring is probably one of the best seasons for nails, because you have a little more room to play with different trends, pops of colors, and patterns of the season. This year we are seeing some of the old trends coming back, and new ones making their way. One trend that is really classy and in right now is the nude nail. This trend is for the classy girls who don't want their nails to distract too much from their outfit, but still ties everything together with a classic nail look. Next of course are pastel nails. This trend seems to come back every spring, because it is fun and flirty and reflects the change of season with all the bright flowers in bloom. Another fun trend is the metallic nail. These add a fun element to your nails that will get you noticed, and try added metallic pops and designs to your nails to really get that sparkle. Finally the last trend for nails of course is green because emerald is the color of the year. Having those perfectly groomed green nails will let everyone know you are a fashionista, and is another way to incorporate this hot new color into your look. 

Nude Nails: Try Butter London's "Shandy"

Pastel Nails: Try Butter London's "Kerfuffle" 

Metallic Nails: Try OPI's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"

Green Nails: Try Essie's "Go Overboard"

Hopefully you all have been holding strong on all of those New Years resolutions still. Like many of you I am sure, one of my resolutions was to get myself up and active in order to live a healthier lifestyle. I have been trying to eat better, and become a regular at the gym. Luckily for me, I discovered that though the gym is meant for sweating it out, you can still look cute while on that treadmill. With a bunch of people these days being on health kicks, the fashion at the gym has increased tremendously. There are many stores too, like Lady Footlocker (where all these styles are from) at Briarwood, that are full of racks of the latest in sports wear.  All the new great styles of gym clothes are even more of a motivator to get to the gym (and an excuse to go shopping too). First, pick yourself up some sports bras with fun fabrics and designs. Then, grab some shirts that show off your fabulous curves. Also, be completely in trend from head to toe with a pair of vibrant tennis shoes that are sure to catch anyones eye. Check out these great picks you should pick-up so you can sweat in style!

It is about to be internship season, and what does that mean? It is yet another excuse for you to head over to Briarwood and go shopping for the perfect work outfits that will make you look appropriate for the first day on the job. Not only will you be getting noticed for your hardwork, but also for how you always look put together and have excellent style -- half of it is knowing the part and the other half is looking it. 

Shopping for work outfits may not sound as exciting as picking up a new party outfit, but trust me it can be fun trying to look for little things that make your outfits cute and stand out. Ann Taylor is a great spot to head to for your typical business attire, and has enough accessories and flares to make your outfit a little more fashion forward. There are endless options of pants, skirts, tops, and blazers ranging from a more classic look to more a modern and atypical look. I personally like getting a black skirt or pant suit and having my top or sweater add a pop to my outfit with a pattern or bright color. I am sure whatever your style is though; Ann Taylor will have something to "suit" you. 

Summer is slowly approaching and we all know what that means, bikini season! I talked in one of my latest blogs about how I have been on a huge health kick due to not only looking good lounging on the beach, but just to feel good too. I have been trying to add in small things to be a little healthier in my everyday lifestyle. One thing I have fallen completely in love with this past season is my Fitbit! It is this tiny little device that attaches to your bra or pocket and tracks so many things to make you more aware of how active you are in a typical day. You have three different Fitbits to choose from, the Flex, the One, and the Zip (they even have a scale too). They all have slightly different qualities to help you become a healthier you. I personally have the One, and have been loving my last five months with it. I mainly use it for tracking all the steps, miles, stairs, and calories I have done for the day. It gets even better though because it syncs to your computer or an app on your smartphone where you can enter your activities, what you eat, and it can even track your sleep patterns too. I cannot say better things about the Fitbit, because it is a small reminder everyday that I should be getting out and active to hit the daily goals it has. I make it a point to hit the 10,000 steps a day that people on average should be getting, and if I don't have that much towards the end of the day I just take a nice walk. All the Fitbit devices are available at Brookstone, and I highly suggest picking one up just to add that extra activity and have one place to keep all your diet and exercises stuff! 

Top: The One

Middle: The Zip

Bottom: The flex

Side: Fitbit's online daily activity tracker 

Now that the sun is finally coming out more often it is time to start protecting and showing off that lovely skin of yours. Spring is in full bloom and summer is not that far off, and the sun can cause some serious damage to your skin. With this great warm weather I'm sure you and your friends will be hitting up the beach, the pool, and getting some nice tans. I, along with most of you probably, want my skin to be looking naturally flawless during these upcoming seasons. So where exactly does make-up come in during all this activity and sun exposure to help you in your pursuit of perfect skin? Luckily Sephora makes sure your skin has all the proper tools and make-up to ensure your skin is up to speed with the new season. Here are a few tips to get a fresh face that everyone will be envious of. 

1. SPF is your best friend - As always it is good to keep your skin, and especially your face protected. One of my favorite brands from Sephora is Laura Mercier, becuase they have great products that aren't to harsh on your skin (check out their Tinted Moisturizer, it is fabulous). The Flawless Skin Mega Mega Moisturizer has the best of both worlds and keeps your skin super hydrated while also delivering that SPF your skin craves in the sun. 

2. It's all about the prep - If you want your make-up to stay on throughout the busy day, use some face primer to have your make-up go on smoothly and last longer. I suggest Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer (even has SPF too). 

3. Brighten up with a highlight - Add a small amount of a highlighter into your foundation, or to the places the sun naturally hits your face (checks, temples, chin, and the bridge of the nose) to get a fresh look. Benefit Cosmetics has some of the best highlighters, and has even come out with a wonderful Gettin' Cheeky box set so you can pick from three of their highlighters to give yourself an effortless glow. 

4. Hold off on the foundation - I personally like to push my foundation to the side for the hotter months of the year and switch over to tinted moisterizers or what has been really in lately, BB Creams. BB Creams, like Boscia's BB Cream, are moisterizing and lightweight but still give a nice coverage, and they are also enriched with ingredients like antioxidants that your skin will thank you for. 

5. Bronze it up - What is summer without freshly tanned skin? Use a bronzer to contour and add that natural warmth to your face. My personal fav along with almost every is NARS Laguna Brozer because it has the perfect amount of shimmer and the color goes great with lots of skin tones. 

Start the countdown because Mother's Day is less than three weeks away. As I have gotten older, I have come to really appreciate my mom and mother's day is the perfect day to spoil her and show her just how much she means to me. There are many ways you can show your mom you love her, and you can still get mom feeling extra special even on a budget. 

Head over to Briarwood on May 9th anytime from 5-8 p.m. to enjoy the annual Simon event, National Mom's Nite Out sponsored by Rethink Varicose Veins. This event is a great night to spend with your mom full of entertainment, refreshments, and amazing fashion and beauty services. Some of services they will be offering are free massages, make-overs, and chocolate galore, what could be better? There might be one thing better, because one mom that attends the event will win a trip with a friend to Chicago to see Bon Jovi's "Because We Can" Tour on July 12th! Best child ever? I think yes.

If you are looking for more of a hands-on gift that you and your mom can both get a lot out of, the place to be is Williams-Sonoma. Williams-Sonoma offers lots of cooking classes to learn new cuisines and cooking techniques. I would turn this into a mother-daughter activity for my mom and I, and learn how to cook while also spending that quality time with my mom. They offer classes on most Wednesday's that are $50 or $75. The classes range from baking and frosting cakes to learning how to get the perfect pizza. Call for more details and a schedule of classes (734) 665 - 1500. 

For a more traditional route, just go with jewelry and clothes (mom's always appreciate more of these). Check out Coldwater Creek and Chicos for some great options, and both of these stores are having amazing sales right now too so that is a huge plus. Coldwater Creek has really cute new picks for Spring and Summer (the Sateen cropped pants are adorable). Chicos has stunning jewelry, turquoise is really in right now, that will be sure to brighten your mom's day. 

I have gone on a couple shopping trips in the last month and decided to do a collective haul to show you all the cute items I have gathered up, their prices, and a few ideas on how I plan to incorporate them into my style. On my first trip to the mall I headed over to Briarwood to pick up some pieces that could transition my closet full of winter wear into the warmer Ann Arbor months. Then, after taking a trip back home to Los Angeles for the summer, I hit up Zara because they have some trendy clothes that are not going to break my wallet. 

First up I went straight to Francesca's because they have flirty and cute outfits perfect for spring and summer. I always go to Francesca's when I need my girlie clothing fix because they have tons of fun colors, cute cuts, and flowy blouses and dresses. 

1. V-neck cover-up: $24 - This dress is super light weight and will be the perfect thing to just throw on over a bathing suit when lounging at the beach, or if you need a quick cover-up to head out somewhere.

2. Mint Peplum Top: $34 - This top is a cool mint color (super in this spring/summer), and is the exact reason I went to Francesca's because it is fresh and girlie and I can pair it with jeans and a blazer or even a tight skirt when I am going out. 

3. White Blouse: $38 - I love this blouse because it looks way more expensive than it is, and I can dress it up or down.

4. Confetti Tank: $28 - This tank top screams spring and summer, with the vibrant colors and unique cut-out straps, I can seee myself in this all season long. 

I ran over to Gap after because I can always find some nice staples any girl needs in her closet. The store is full of stripes and colors, and lots of fall and winter wear on sale so head over quick!
 

1. Sunkissed Navy Shorts: $39.95 - These shorts reminded me of a few pairs I have from JCrew (check out when I talked about them in my Back to Basics article) but for a tad cheaper! Though they are a plain pair of shorts, I will get tons of wear out of them because they go well with lots of things.

Finally, I went to Zara after being in Los Angeles for a bit to get some tops that are a little different from what we normally see being sported around because it is a European brand. 

1. Tribal Blouse: $49.90 - I instantly fell in love with this top because it is fun and colorful for the upcoming months, but I can also pair it with jeans and boots in the fall. 

2. Tie-dye Shirt: $25.90 - This shirt is very light weight and a nice way to not dive right into the tie-dye trend, but instead just dip my toe into the pool. 

3. Lemon Cotton T-Shirt: $9.90 - At only ten bucks this shirt was a must have, and is a shirt that will add an extra pop to the typical jeans and t-shirt outfit I am spotted in a lot over the spring and summer.